Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Bell.
Lisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was young, my parents were always very supportive of anything I wanted to do with my creative talents. So I’ve been “making things” my whole life. I started making jewelry about 25 years ago. But when the market for beads became so readily available, about 20 years ago, is when I really grew my talent and passion for making jewelry.
From there the creativity seemed to only grow and branch into other things. I began making purses from cowboy boots about 3 years ago. I use belts for the handles, so each one is very unique and made with quality materials. I have made custom orders for women who have a pair of boots from a father or brother, or simply a favorite pair they can no longer wear.
I also repurpose wine bottles, wrapping them with jute and decorating them. These bottles are a fun, simple and affordable way to decorate or to give away. They make great hostess gifts!
The most recent creative endeavor of mine is Upcycled Louis Vuitton bags. I began making these after seeing them at the Houston Rodeo shops. I wanted to make them more affordable. I buy used and abused LV bags and simply fix them up and add some personality. I will remove a broken zipper and add braided leather, fringe, and leather tassels. Figuring out how to change the bag’s handicap, into an asset is a creative challenge I find very rewarding.
I work full time in a medical profession, in the Operating Room. Which inspired me to make scrub hats. These are cotton hats that people wear in surgery instead of the plain blue hats that are supplied by the hospital. It just adds some personality to a plain uniform we wear, called scrubs!
I enjoy mixing and coordinating different patterns and designs of fabric, and people seem to love them. I have a lot of free time to spend on my creative passions. I sell some things on Etsy and Facebook. I do artist and crafts shows & markets to sell my creative wares. It brings me a lot of joy to bring a little happiness to my customers, who like the things I make and appreciate my talent.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been smooth, simply because this is a hobby for me. But much more than a hobby, it is a creative passion that I continue to develop. Changes and trends in fashion stimulate my creative journey into new things. But because I don’t depend on this as an income, it’s a great creative outlet and an affordable passion for me and my customers.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bell Bootique story. Tell us more about the business.
I am most proud of the reward that I get from seeing people find some joy in my creative things. When they get excited about something I made, is just a great thing to see. I’m blessed to have the creative talent that I have and thank God for it.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I am influenced by changes and trends in fashion. Jewelry has been a constant in my list of creative endeavors. But the gems and beads in the marketplace do have trends, and that influences what I create. Introducing leather into my jewelry line is a good example of a recent trend.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 832-567-5823
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Bell Bootique
- Other: www.itsall4cole.etsy.com
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